What Can Ancient Cities Teach Modern Urbanites?

These 15 ancient cities can help modern urbanites plan more efficient and sustainable municipalities.

1 minute read

January 30, 2014, 11:00 AM PST

By NicoleFerraro


"A study at a US university is the latest to use ancient cities to mine secrets for today's urban centers.

Funded by the US National Science Foundation, a team of scientists at the Global Institute of Sustainability at Arizona State University (ASU) have embarked on a survey of ancient cities titled "Service Access in Pre-Modern Cities."

"The study aims to discern patterns of access to markets, worship sites, and other urban facilities that existed in ancient, non-Western urban areas," writes Mary Jander.

"By looking at archeological records and other data, the ASU team hopes to see how old cities planned access to these services by social class or other factors. In turn, this information could help modern cities set policies about access to similar services that affect the use of resources such as water and energy."

Jander goes on to discuss 15 ancient cities and the lessons they impart on cities of the 21st century.

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 in Future Cities

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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